Needy Fund: Renter rescued

He had wanted to spend his life as a Trappist monk, devoted to prayer and contemplation as well as physical labor but his poor health forced him out of the seminary.

Molly A.K. Connors

Weak health has plagued a local 80-year-old his entire life.

He had wanted to spend his life as a Trappist monk, devoted to prayer and contemplation as well as physical labor. But his poor health forced him out of the seminary.

He tried to make a life for himself outside the monastery but once again his poor health interfered, and he couldn't work full-time.

Because of his limited time working, in the twilight of his life, his social security check is small.

He gradually fell behind on his rent, and his kindly landlord lowered the monthly payment, but back rent still had to be paid.

The Cape Cod Needy Fund exists for just such contingencies. In this case, it helped him catch up with his outstanding rent. There are many human service agencies offering assistance to those in need, but it is the Needy Fund that provides assistance for a host of immediate, short-term emergencies.

Since 1936, the Needy Fund has been helping individuals and families by using money raised through donations to pay for food, rent, mortgage payments, utility and heating bills, medical costs and other basic expenses.

The mission of the Needy Fund is to provide financial assistance to Cape residents for basic human needs.